Goodbye Mars Rover Spirit

By
John
– May 25, 2011Posted in: Space Exploration
Mars Rover Spirit

Mars Rover Spirit

NASA officially ended communications with the Mars Rover Spirit today after an incredible 7 year mission.  The mission was designed to last only 90 days in 2004.  It is believed that the last martian winter, colder than it has encountered in the past 7 years, caused damage to it’s internal systems.  While there is still a chance it may accumulate enough power from it’s solar panels to start transmitting again, NASA believes that, this time, the chances are now remote.  Transmissions stopped on March 22, 2010.

Spirit, along with it’s still functioning twin Opportunity, delivered unprecedented scientific information as well as providing us with panoramic views of the planet Mars.

Burncliff

 

About John

John Kinane is a resident of Hilton, New York, a suburb of Rochester, New York. A former middle school band director and music teacher, John changed direction into technology and web and multimedia programming. He holds a Bachelors degree from the Crane School of Music and a Masters degree from Nazareth College of Rochester. Interests include percussion, drum and bugle corps, progressive politics, astronomy, web programming and raising three great kids.